Saxofonist c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a saxophonist with a pencil on paper. I can imagine Israels’ hand moving swiftly across the page, capturing the essence of the musician in a flurry of marks. The sharp, dark strokes of the pencil create a sense of depth and shadow, while the lighter areas suggest the fall of light across the scene. I wonder what Israels was thinking as he drew. Was he listening to the music, trying to capture the rhythm and energy of the performance? Or was he more interested in the form and shape of the musician, the way the light played across his body and instrument? I think that his vigorous and active lines capture the ephemeral, like a jazz solo heard once. The energy is all there, in those hatchy strokes. Israels' loose, expressive style reminds me of other sketchers like Daumier or even Manet. Ultimately, this drawing is a testament to the power of observation and the ability of the artist to capture a moment in time with just a few simple strokes.